Electric buses arrive in UK city of Plymouth

The new buses will bear a livery showcasing their green credentials and recognising the partners’ investment.

They are expected to reduce carbon emissions by 79,914 tonnes over their lifetime,  as well as reducing NOx (nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide) emissions by 28 tonnes, and PM (particulate matter) 2.5 emissions by one tonne.

“It’s fantastic to welcome Plymouth’s first electric buses and to be supporting the establishment of Milehouse as an electric bus depot,” said councillor Mark Coker, the council’s cabinet member for transport. “This is a major milestone and demonstrates the commitment of all the project partners – and wider enhanced partnership – to delivering better bus services for the city. I look forward to seeing the new buses out on the road and passengers enjoying the more accessible space and journey information they offer.”

The buses also include additional space to accommodate a second wheelchair user or multiple unfolded pushchairs or prams, alongside the mandatory wheelchair space. The new buses also feature audio-visual announcements to provide clear information on routes and upcoming stops.

Route 70 on the Rame Peninsula forms part of Cornwall Council’s supported bus network. Cornwall Council has also successfully bid for further Zebra 2 funding to provide electric buses in Falmouth and Truro.

“We want to support our residents to make greener and healthier choices about how they travel as well as provide sustainable services to connect our communities,” said Rebecca Riley, head of connectivity and transport policy at Cornwall Council. “This work reflects the great partnership between neighbouring councils and transport operators as well as our commitment to decarbonising transport, which is a central theme of our Local Transport Plan.”